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Vail Activities

There's a whole other world of outdoors beyond downhill skis or snowboards for adventurous spirits. From a new nordic course atop Vail Mountain to ski biking and tubing at Adventure Ridge on top of the gondola, Vail has a lot to offer for family ski vacations and we have a variety of great ski vacation packages. It's the perfect place for anyone looking for some unique activities off the skis!

With new extended daytime hours, now open 7 days a week, Adventure Ridge at the top of the gondola is fun for everyone! Snow tubing on a new state of the art covered tubing lift, ski biking, and kid's activities like mini-snowmobiles on a kid-sized race course make it a great place to head anytime!

Snowshoe, Cross-Country, and Backcountry ski tours for all levels. Come explore the wilderness around Vail on one of our group tours or privates. We also offer Telemark on Vail Mountain. Explore a side of Vail you’ve never seen before!

Dozens of hot spots for dozens of reasons. Sunny decks and cold beers after a day on the slopes, an intimate piano bar for relaxing or perhaps, a dance club where you can catch some great live music. Whatever your speed, we've got your spot.

Winter Activities: How to enjoy a complete ski vacation

A perfect ski vacation involves more than just skiing. It’s everything – waking up in a well-appointed condo or hotel, the perfect cup of coffee at your fingertips, ideal snow conditions and a variety of terrain, après cocktails, dinner, nightlife, and a full menu of activities on and off the mountain.

There are a million ways to enjoy a complete ski vacation at Vail. Here are just a few examples of how you might get the most out of your days:

Day 1

Wake up in Vail Village to stunning views of the mountain. Grab an espresso and hot breakfast just steps from your door at one of the cafes in the village.

When you’re fueled up and ready, the gondola and lifts are just a few yards away.

If you’re new to Vail, sign up for a complimentary ski/snowboard mountain tour, which meets every morning at the top of Gondola One by the Mid-Vail Ski School Desk at 10:15 a.m.

A guide will show you what the mountain has to offer and help you decide where to spend the rest of your day. The two-hour tour is free, but the information you learn is priceless.

After the tour, grab lunch at The 10th, a ski-in/ski-out fine dining experience overlooking the Gore Range. In the afternoon, squeeze in a few more runs and then head back down the mountain for an afternoon massage at one of the many spas in Vail Village or Lionshead Village.

For dinner, why not take a snowcat ride up to Game Creek Restaurant? Or cozy in for après drinks and a casual dinner in your condo.

Day 2

Grab first chair and make your way over to the legendary Back Bowls and you’ll soon see what everyone is raving about. Knee-deep powder and plenty of fresh tracks will keep you giddy all day.

Or, if you’re looking for something a little different, head over to Adventure Ridge and check out the snow biking, a bicycling-skiing hybrid activity. Complimentary lessons are provided.

Got kids? They’ll love the snow tubing and mini-snowmobile racetrack. Adventure Ridge activities are open from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. most days, so there’s plenty of time to play.

Cap off the day with some ice-skating at the Arrabelle at Vail Square in Lionshead or catch some live music at Shakedown Bar, a local favorite in Vail Village.

Day 3

Want to know a secret? There’s so much about Vail that is truly awe-inspiring, and it's so easy to forget about when you spend all day exploring all that incredible mountain terrain.

Sign up for a free Moonlight Snowshoe Tour on select full moon nights (ask about specific dates at Eagle’s Nest).

If you have time, be sure to browse the shops and art galleries in Vail and Lionshead.

There are literally hundreds of unique boutiques offering everything from cowboy boots to jewelry, cocktail dresses, outdoor apparel, kids clothing and fine art. The heated cobblestone streets make it easy to stroll around.

Of course, three days provides just a small taste of everything Vail offers.

Once you experience the wide variety of activities on and off the mountain, you’ll want to return often… or extend your vacation to a week or more.